Two physicians with expertise in obstetrics are now available to provide care to local and area residents.

Dr. Neslyan Orie-Lindenbergh and Dr. Bamidele Osuolale have joined the teams at Battle River Medical Centre, and Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre.

Dr. Osuolale is a general practitioner with basic obstetrics. He received his medical education and postgraduate training in Nigeria, where he practised for more than 10 years before relocating to Canada. Dr. Orie-Lindenbergh studied medicine and completed her residency in family medicine in the Netherlands, where she practised for eight years prior to coming to Canada.

Both physicians are accepting new patients and can be reached at 403-783-3399. With the addition of the two doctors, there are 13 physicians serving the community and surrounding area.

“Family physicians play an invaluable role in our healthcare system, providing much-needed primary care to rural communities. The arrival of two new family physicians is great news for Ponoka, and I extend my best wishes to them as they settle into the community,” says Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health.

Dr. Orie-Lindenbergh is attracted to practising in rural communities. “In the Netherlands we lived in a small town where my husband grew up and my in-laws lived within walking distance,” she says. “The kids went to school on their bike and their friends all lived in the same neighbourhood. Ponoka has the same feel and that is what attracted us to the town.” In her spare time, Dr. Orie-Lindenbergh enjoys reading, hiking, baking and travel.

“I see Ponoka to be a fit for my kind of environment and for my family. The rodeo is something I am looking forward to enjoying,” says Dr. Osuolale, who also enjoys spending time with family, listening to music, and playing sports.

AHS continues to recruit for physicians across its Central Zone to meet community needs.